All power of the State derives from the People
(therefore the State is subject to the will of the people.)
The State is made up of three parts (tripartite) which are designed to keep checks and balances so that no arm of the State (government) can act beyond their powers. This is called the “Separation of Powers”.
Legislative:
The legislative arm of government is made up of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Dáil and Seanad) and it’s sole purpose is to draft and implement laws.
Executive:
The executive arm of government is made up of the Ministers and Departments and it’s purpose is to bring effect to the laws implemented by the legislative arm.
Judicial:
The judicial arm of government is made up of the Judiciary and it’s purpose is to see that the laws are interpreted correctly without external influence and administered fairly.